World War II soldier killed in action receives proper burial 8 decades later

HINTON, W.Va. (WVVA/Gray News) – A U.S. soldier who was killed in action during World War II has received a proper burial after his remains were positively identified.

Private First Class Basil Cook died at the age of 31 while serving his country in Huchein, Germany, on Nov. 25, 1944.

His obituary said he was a tank operator who was hit and killed by a land mine.

Cook’s remains were buried in the Netherlands, where they remained until DNA testing proved his identity.

At the time of his death, Cook was married, had four sisters, a brother, and a half-brother.

All of these family members have since passed.

Cook’s living relatives include two nephews and two nieces.

One of his nieces, Pat Ferver, was contacted after his remains were recovered.

“I didn’t think it was real, and then they proved to me that they were the military, and my husband is retired Air Force, and he talked to the gentleman and he said, ‘Yes, this is real.’ So, that’s how it happened, and it was a surprise; it was a shock. After all these years, we had no idea where he was or anything,” she said.

Graveside services for Cook were held on Wednesday, followed by a burial with full military honors.

Many of his living family members gathered to honor him by returning him to the land where he grew up.

Ray Pivont, funeral director for Pivont Funeral Home Services, said Cook’s mother had contacted the government for years looking for her son, but died without ever receiving an answer. Pivont now said it’s an honor to finally reunite them.

“It feels good. Like I say, I think it’s just a great thing that the country is able to do these and give him the honor of … he gave the ultimate sacrifice. Now they’re able to give him the honor by burial in his family plot,” Pivont said.

Ferver said the funeral brought out Cook’s extended family members who hadn’t met before. They all came together to honor the memory of someone who gave his life in defense of freedom.

“I’m so proud of them coming, because this doesn’t happen every day, and it’s a great honor to have him home, and I’m very happy,” Ferver said.

Ferver said it’s a “relief” to have this fallen hero home once again.